Presenting the lives of several of the world’s most famous artists, the Artists’ Specials series will enchant viewers with its rich storytelling and inspiring tales. In each special, the featured artist, at a major turning point in his or her life, crosses paths with a young person. From their encounters come stories that inform and entertain children and adults alike. Viewers are exposed to the most famous paintings by these creative geniuses and learn about their lives through the interactions with the children they befriend.
The film is set in 1614, when Rembrandt is the portrait painter of choice for Amsterdam's bourgeoisie thanks in part to his well-connected and beautiful young wife Saskia. However, he soon finds himself caught up in the trials of his young neighbor Samuel, who is locked in fierce adolescent rebellion against his father, the respected Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel. Samuel refuses to become a scholar like his father, so as a compromise, Rembrandt and the pregnant Saskia, propose that Samuel become a studio apprentice. The arrangement brings an unexpected surprise when Rembrandt learns that the boy's true talent lies in the art of printing.
Through his friendship with Rembrandt, Samuel has found his future vocation and the courage to accept his family heritage. Samuel's struggle reveals to Rembrandt just how much he feels constrained by artistic conventions and leads him to follow his heart and alter the history of painting with his magnificent works.
53 minutes, Color
